DOE to Invest $6 Million in Midsize Wind Turbine Technology Development

May 25, 2010

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the availability of up to $6 million to advance midsize wind turbine technology in order to boost the speed and scale of midsize turbine deployment. DOE will provide the funding over two years to accelerate the development, testing, and commercialization of domestically manufactured, midsize wind turbines with rated generating capacities between 100 kilowatts and 1 megawatt. Through this funding opportunity, DOE will leverage private-sector technology investment by providing cost-shared partnerships to qualified projects in support of the Administration's drive to create clean-energy jobs, and promote economic development and energy independence. DOE anticipates making up to four initial grants under this competitive solicitation.

Midsize turbines are used at schools, farms, factories, private and public facilities, remote locations, and community and tribal wind projects to generate renewable electricity. The size of these turbines allows them to be installed on the site of electricity use, thus minimizing the need for new electric transmission lines. However, the market for midsize turbines has lagged behind the growing markets for both utility-scale turbines larger than 1 megawatt and for small turbines under 100 kilowatts.

This funding opportunity from DOE will help address two major reasons for the slow growth in the midsize turbine market—namely, the scarcity of midsize turbine models available for purchase and unfavorable project economics—by supporting the development of innovative technologies that lower the installed costs and improve the productivity of midsize turbines. In addition, this funding opportunity will promote the utilization of U.S. manufacturers and supply chain vendors.